Microsoft launches Windows Embedded 8

Microsoft today announced its launch schedule for some of its line of Windows Embedded 8 products.

Windows Embedded is a device operating system — a version of Windows designed for specific business tasks such as retail point-of-sale systems.

Microsoft’s announcement today encompassed the release schedules for three versions of Windows Embedded 8: Standard, Pro and Industry. The Standard and Pro versions are available immediately for OEMs to create commercial devices. The Industry version, geared toward the retail, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, will be generally available the week of April 1.

And in July, Microsoft will make available for purchase enterprise-specific functionality that can be added to customers’ Windows Embedded 8 solutions.

In the meantime, the timelines for other products in the Windows Embedded 8 line-up are as previouslyannounced. That means:

• An SDK for Windows Embedded 8 Handheld is expected later this year, with devices using the OS expected in the market in late 2013 or early 2014.

• Windows Embedded Compact 2013 is expected sometime in the next several months.

• There has been no announcements of a release date for Windows Embedded 8 Automotive.

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Welcome to Microsoft Pri0: That's Microspeak for top priority, and that's the news and observations you'll find here from Seattle Times technology reporter Matt Day. Send tips or comments to mday@seattletimes.com.